If you have experienced having a water pipe freeze and burst, you completely understand how devastating it can be on your home, you and your family. The damage caused by leaking water running through your walls and ceiling can equal extensive and expensive reconstruction and replacement damage. Here are a few prevention tips to help you avoid this tragedy in your home:
- Inspect all plumbing supply pipes in your home to identify the pipes that are at risk of freezing. The pipes most at risk are exposed to the outdoors, pipes running through unheated crawlspaces or basements, and those on the inside exterior walls. Also inspect areas where cold air may enter the home, such as around ventilation ducts and pipes serving outdoor spigots
- Be proactive and turn off the water supply lines running to your outside spigots prior to the arrival of cold weather. Most water supply lines have a shutoff valve. Once the water is turned off inside, open the outside spigot to drain any water remaining in the pipe and spigot.
- Seal all air gaps in exterior walls with caulk or low-expanding spray foam. This is a great prevention tip to practice before the cold weather starts, such as in the early fall.
- Utilizing fiberglass or foam pipe insulation, wrap all pipes in potentially cold areas to help increase insulation of the pipes and slow down the potential to freeze.
Practice these tips to help prevent pipes from freezing during the cold winter months. Remember a small burst in a water pipe can equal enormous damage in your home.
For more information about Anchor Heating and Air Conditioning, the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment—give us a call at (770) 942-2873.